WWE has been sued again.
DiCello Levitt, a law firm, filed a lawsuit today against WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon as well as TKO Group Holdings on behalf of five victims of the “ringboy scandal.”
The lawsuit claims that WWE knew about and did not stop Melvin Phillips Jr.’s sexual abuse against underage boys in the ring crew. The lawsuit claims that Phillips targeted boys from broken homes, and that the assaults took place not only in wrestling events, but also at hotels and other places where Phillips would shuttle the boys.
The allegations were made public in 1992, and covered by shows like A Current Affair or Donahue.
The lawsuit also states the five survivors named John Does 1-5, in the suit, learned only recently of the depth of information the McMahons had about their abuse, as a result new insights gained through the lawsuit Janel Grant brought in January.
Greg Gutzler is a partner of DiCello Levitt and the lead litigant. “Thanks for the courage of our clients, now we have the chance to hold those accountable who allowed the open, rampant, sexual abuse of these boys,” Gutzler said. “It is unconscionable that so many people were aware of the sexual abuse committed against the Ring Boys, but did nothing to stop or prevent it.”
“The WWE and McMahons failed to fulfill their responsibility towards these underage boys in the worst possible way.” Mark DiCello said that DiCello Levitt will fight vigorously to uncover the truth of this systemic and insidious abuse. “We commend the courage of our clients in coming forward, and promise to relentlessly pursue justice for them.”
“These survivors are models of courage. “One third of child sex victims never come forward because of the shame, humiliation and trauma they have suffered, as well as their physical and psychological injuries,” said Marci Hamilton, CEO and founder of CHILD USA. The nonprofit think tank is dedicated to preserving and strengthening children’s rights. “Unfortunately, we know that one in five girls and one in thirteen boys will be sexually assaulted before the age 18,” said Professor Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of CHILD USA, a leading nonprofit think tank fighting to preserve and strengthen children’s rights. CHILD USA fights child sex trafficking and abuse. One of our most powerful tools is to push for a reform of the statute of limitations so that perpetrators, as well as their enabling institutions, can be held accountable when disclosure is delayed. These brave survivors can now seek justice thanks to the Maryland window that we fought for.”
Ann Callis, the attorney for Janel grant, released a press release on the news.
“The allegations made in the ‘ring boy’ lawsuit against WWE is deeply troubling. Vince McMahon has made sexual abuse and trafficking of human beings a hallmark in WWE’s culture over decades. Janel Grant, and other former WWE workers deserve to have their day in court. Former WWE employees who have experienced sexual abuse or harassment should be able to speak out by waiving their non-disclosure agreement. Ms. Grant supports all WWE survivors, and believes that Mr. McMahon and WWE, as well as all other parties involved, must be held accountable.
Lawsuit filed by ‘Ring Boy Scandal survivors’ against WWE, Vince & Linda McMahon in todays Wrestling news, Chatalong Chatbox, Results will be Hidden inside a spoiler Button so you will not bet spoiled about direct results.
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